Mass Shooting Leaves One Dead, Independence on Edge!  

Tonight we begin with the first murder investigation of 2026. Police are investigating after a horrific mass shooting that occurred in Independence Village late New Year’s Eve. It left one man dead and six others injured. The shooting occurred at the Feel Good Restaurant and Bar where residents gathered to ring in the New Year. Authorities describe the incident as one of the worst mass shootings in Belize’s history. News Five’s Shane Williams was in Independence today and found out more:

 

Shane Williams, Reporting

One man is dead and six others injured in a horrific mass shooting on New year’s eve in Independence Village.

 

ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer

“The culprit arrived on a motorcycle and fired several shots at a person whom we believe to have been the intended target.”

 

After being struck multiple times, the target dashed into the establishment, through the crowd and into the back yard where he hopped this fence, leaving behind this Rastafarian head wear in a desperate attempt to escape enemy fire. The gunman then likewise took off, leaving behind six people suffering from gunshot injuries and an entire community shaken. We spoke to one of the survivors.

 

Rome, Shooting Survivor

“I deh inna di chiney the buy wa chicken and the wait fir the fry chicken right but I done pay for the fry chicken. My back turn towards the door, right. And in the spot the play music. Them pretty lights deh on. I just the enjoy the music, the drink my quart while I the wait for the chicken. Shot happen – I mi feel like da lone popshot soh I noh di pay it no mind, right, just continue. Afterwards when I check myself, I see blood start run down my back and fronta me. I say what, noh tell me I get shot. I noh know weh gone ahn cause my back turn gainst the door. I thought it was just popshot soh I just continue tek my shot too outta my quart. When I conscious now, what blood the run down me mein. Then I check myself right then I realize that I get shot.”

 

Shane Williams

“And then how you get da hospital and thing?”

 

Rome

“Well somebody mussy help me, put me inna some kinda vehicle or whatsoever or maybe ambulance mussy mi come because all ah that me neem remember.”

 

Shane Williams

“You lose consciousness or anything?”

 

Rome

“Noh me neva lose consciousness. I was just toxicated, not knowing I got hit and that somebody gone deh gone shoot up the spot. Other than that, me neva know.”

 

Rome remembers little of the terrifying ordeal or how he made it to the hospital. Keith Neal was not as fortunate. Neal was rushed to the Southern Regional Hospital and later transferred to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where he died on Thursday. His sister, Shannon Neal, says Keith had only gone to his favorite chill spot, something he did often, never imagining it would be the last time she would see him alive.

 

Shannon Neal, Sister

“I was at work when my cousin called and said if I heard anything. I was like, no, what happened. And she said they said that your brother gor shot. They don’t know if he is dead or not. He is on the ground so have someone check on him. After that I called my mom. I called my sister them to go and check and they messaged me back. It was true. He was always humble. Keith doesn’t disturb anybody.  Anytime you want find him you can find him right at that spot. Day, night, yo know. Keith didn’t give any kind of trouble. People would hurt him out there. He come home, tell us. Me and my mom would be the one to defend him. He would be like leave people alone. Don’t worry about it, you know. So, I don’t know. It was really a shock when that happened because innocently he was there enjoying, trying to enjoy his new year but I guess…”

 

Shane Williams

“And what are some of the things that were important to him, – some of his dreams and goals?

 

Shannon Neal

“For him it was all about his girls. My baby, his niece, and his daughter. He always wanted better for them like – He had big dreams for himself like bettering his life just to make sure those girls were happy, you know. That they didn’t have to depend on anybody. And now we have to pick up that slack for him because, you know.” 

 

Keith leaves behind a five-year-old daughter. Now, Shannon and her family are faced with the painful task of keeping his memory alive for her, while also making funeral arrangements and demanding justice for a life taken too soon.

 

Shannon Neal

“We just want justice yo know, We know who did it because when he was on the ground he told my little brother who did it. He saw the person. All we want is justice and I hope we can get it.”

 

Shane Williams

“And is the person known in this community?”

 

Shannon Neal

“Yeah, very well known. Very, very well known.”

 

Investigators have since recovered surveillance footage and believe they have identified the intended target, possible motive, and the shooter.

 

ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer

“Police have secured several pieces of items that are of evidential value and are seeking two persons in relation to this ongoing investigation. The department take this opportunity to remind the general public that it is an offense to harbour or conceal wanted persons.”

 

One of the possible motives that investigators are looking at is that it may be drug related. Shane Williams for News Five.